Disk playback device and method of controlling the device

ABSTRACT

A magazine having a plurality of reset detecting portions arranged concentrically with the magazine and corresponding to disk accommodating spaces having respective predetermined identification numbers. A position index group is disposed between each two adjacent reset detecting portions for detecting the identification number of the particular disk space to which the reset detecting portion, toward the direction of rotation of the magazine, of the two portions corresponds. A sensor is provided on the path of rotation of the magazine on a chassis for detecting the reset detecting portions and position index groups. The sensor is connected to a processor for storing the identification number of the disk space as positioned in alignment with a path of movement of a disk. When the power source is turned on initially, the processor rotates the magazine temporarily, and detects from the number of recesses detected by a sensor the identification number of the disk space corresponding to the reset detecting portion subsequently detected by the sensor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to disk playback devices of the so-calledautochanger type adapted to accommodate a plurality of disks serving asrecording media and to playback the desired disk, and to a method ofcontrolling the device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various autochanger-type playback devices have been proposed in which aplurality of disks are accommodated as positioned upright for playingback one of the disks desired. The present applicant also has alreadyproposed the device shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 (see JP-A-195842/1994). Inthe following description, the direction in which the disk is insertedwill be referred to as "front," and the direction of discharge of thedisk as "rear."

The illustrated device has a magazine 3 rotatably mounted on a chassis 2for accommodating disks D. A disk insertion-discharge portion 4 and aplayback portion 7 spaced apart from one another are arranged outsidethe path of rotation of the magazine 3. The magazine 3 is formed with 24disk spaces 31 arranged radially for accommodating disks D as positionedupright. The disk spaces 31 are numbered "1" to "24", respectively, asidentification numbers in a counterclockwise order. A front panel 20opposed to the insertion-discharge portion 4 has connected thereto aprocessor 200 having the memory function of storing the identificationnumbers of the respective disk spaces 31.

With reference to FIG. 23, the magazine 3 has a bottom wall formed withan annular toothed face 320. A motor M1 for driving the magazine 3 iscoupled to the toothed face 320 by two intermediate gears 330, 340. Twoholes 350, 350 are formed in the intermediate gear 340 on a diametricalline thereof. A sensor SE15 is disposed on the path of revolution of theholes 350. When the intermediate gear 340 meshing with the toothed face320 makes a half rotation, the magazine 3 rotates by one disk spacepitch, and the sensor SE15 detects the holes 350 to indicate therevolution of the disk space 31 by one pitch.

The bottom wall of the magazine 3 has a contact plate 360 formed with anoutward protrudent midportion 370. Mounted on the chassis 2 is a lever380 close to the path of revolution of the contact plate 360. The lever380 is biased by a spring 390 and has one free end projecting into thepath of revolution of the protrudent portion 370. A sensor switch SW15is disposed in the path of rotation of the other end of the lever 380.When the lever 380 is away from the contact plate 360, the switch SW15is held depressed and turned on by the lever 380.

When the protrudent portion 370 is brought into contact with the lever380 by the rotation of the magazine 3, the lever 380 rotates against theforce of the spring 390, turning off the sensor switch SW15, No. 1 diskspace 31 is so positioned as to be opposed to the insertion-dischargeportion 4 at this time, and the processor 200 detects No. 1 disk space31 as opposed to the portion 4.

When the data stored in the processor 200 has disappeared for one causeor another, the processor 200 causes the motor M1 to rotate until thesensor switch SW15 becomes off, whereby No. 1 disk space 31 ispositioned as opposed to the insertion-discharge portion 4. Thesubsequent operation then follows.

With the conventional device, the magazine 3 is thus rotated until thesensor switch SW15 is turned off, so that if the magazine 3 is adaptedto accommodate an increased number of disks, searching foridentification numbers takes a longer period of time.

In this case, it appears useful to arrange a plurality of sensorswitches SW15 on the path of rotation of the magazine 3 and to identifythe particular disk space 31 opposed to the insertion-discharge portion4 by detecting the operating state of one of the switches SW15, whereasthe provision of the increased number of switches 15 leads to anincrease in the number of components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to quicklydetect the rotated position of the magazine by simple means when thedevice is energized after the data stored in the processor hasdisappeared.

A magazine for accommodating a plurality of disks in a radialarrangement is formed with a plurality of reset detecting portions 37corresponding to a plurality of specified disk spaces 31 and arranged atequal spacings concentrically with the magazine 3. A position indexgroup 38 comprising a plurality of position indexes 38a is arranged atan intermediate portion between each two adjacent reset detectingportions 37, 37. The groups 38 are different in the number of positionindexes 38a included in the group. The distance M between opposite endsof each position index group 38 is always less than the distance L fromeach end of the group 38 to the reset detecting portion 37 closest tothe end, i.e., M<L. Disposed on the path of rotation of the magazine 3on a chassis 2 is a sensor SE2 connected to a processor 200 fordetecting the reset detecting portions 37 and the position index groups38 and stopping the rotation of the magazine upon detecting the resetdetecting portion 37.

When the device is energized after the data stored in the processor hasdisappeared, the processor 200 rotates the magazine 3 first. Time ismeasured upon the sensor SE2 detecting the first position index 38a orreset detecting portion 37. The reset detecting portion 37 or positionindex group 38 is ignored which moves past within a predetermined periodof time t0 longer than a period of time t1 taken for the passage of thelongest of the distances M.

The magazine 3 continues its rotation after the lapse of thepredetermined period to, and the position index group 38 next detectedindicates what identification number the disk space 31 has to whichspace the reset detecting portion 37 to be detected subsequently to thedetected group 38 corresponds.

With further rotation, the sensor SE2 detects this reset detectingportion 37, whereupon the processor 200 stops the rotation of themagazine 3. The identification number of particular disk space 31opposed to the insertion-discharge portion 4 can be recognized withreference to the reset detecting portion 37 detected for stopping themagazine 3.

Thus, in stopping the magazine 3, the sensor SE2 detects the resetdetecting portion 37 which corresponds to the disc space 31 of detectedidentification number, so that the rotated position of the magazine 3 isdetectable by simple means. Furthermore the rotated position of themagazine 3 is determined by detecting one of the plurality of resetdetecting portions 37, and is therefore detectable more quickly than inthe conventional device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a disk playback device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the same;

FIG. 3 is a plan view with a magazine partly broken away;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the magazine as turned upside down;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation in section showing the relation between themagazine and sensors with respect to position;

FIG. 6 is a right side elevation showing the positional relation betweena rotary shutter, an insertion-discharge portion and the magazine;

FIG. 7, (a) is a plan view of the rotary shutter as opened, and FIG. 7,(b) is a plan view of the shutter as closed;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a magazine rotating mechanism, and amechanism for transporting a disk between the insertion-dischargeportion and a playback portion;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of a processor and thesensor following initial energization of the device;

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the rotary shutter and a roller rotatingmechanism for transporting the disk;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the same;

FIGS. 12, (a), (b) and (c) are side elevations in section showing amechanism for inserting the disk into, or discharging the disk from, adisk space, (a) showing the disk as inserted, (b) showing the mechanismin a standby state and (c) showing the mechanism while kicking out thedisk toward the playback portion;

FIGS. 13, (a) and (b) are side elevations in section showing themechanism for transporting the disk between the playback portion and thedisk space, (a) showing the disk as inserted from the playback portionand supported by a kickout piece, and (b) showing the mechanism whilekicking out the disk toward the playback portion;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the playback portion;

FIGS. 15, (a) and (b) are side elevations in section of a clamp and apickup mount, (a) showing the clamp as fitted to the pickup mount, and(b) showing the clamp as moved away from the mount;

FIGS. 16, (a) and (b) are plan views of a chuck slide, (a) showing thechuck slide as moved toward the insertion-discharge portion, and (b)showing the slide as moved toward the playback portion;

FIG. 17 is a left side elevation showing the positional relation betweenthe magazine, second and third roller units and a case;

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the operation of the disk transportmechanism;

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the operation of the disk transportmechanism;

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the operation of the disk transportmechanism;

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a conventional disk playback device;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the same;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of a magazine position detecting mechanismincluded in the conventional disk playback device; and

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the positional relation between resetdetecting portions of the magazine and position index groups thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Brief Description ofthe Entire Device!

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detailwith reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 generally show the embodiment. A chassis 2 is provided atits front side with a front panel 20 having various operation buttons.Connected to the front panel 20 is a processor 200 having a memoryfunction and having various command signals stored therein. The frontpanel 20 has at its center a rotary shutter 40 formed with an opening 41for passing a disk D therethrough. Rotatably mounted on the chassis 2 isa magazine 3 in the form of a double cylinder for accommodating aplurality of disks D in a radial arrangement. A playback portion 7 isdisposed inside the magazine 3. An insertion-discharge portion 4 isdisposed outside the path of rotation of the magazine 3 and inside thefront panel 20. The playback portion 7 is aligned with a path oftransport of the disk from the insertion-discharge portion 4 to theplayback portion 7. The disk D placed in from outside the front panel 20passes through the rotary shutter 40 and then through the portion 4 andis accommodated in the magazine 3. The disk D is transferred from themagazine 3 to the playback portion 7, where the data recorded on thedisk is regenerated.

A first roller unit 6 for holding and transporting the disk is providedwithin the insertion-discharge portion 4 and on the path of transport ofthe disk. Between the inner wall of the magazine 3 and the playbackportion 7, second and third roller units 60, 61 for similarly holdingthe disk are arranged along the direction of insertion of the disk.

A motor M1 for rotating the magazine 3 is disposed outside the path ofrotation of the magazine 3. Arranged in the hollow portion of themagazine 3 and between the insertion-discharge portion 4 and theplayback portion 7 are a motor M2 for drivingly transporting the diskand a motor M3 for giving a torque to the three roller units 6, 60, 61.The motor M2 also drivingly rotates the rotary shutter 40. With thepresent disk playback device embodying the invention, therefore thethree motors M1, M2, M3 are used for transporting the disk and rotatingthe magazine 3.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the chassis 2 with the front panel 20 removed.The magazine 3 has a bottom wall rotatably fitted around a hollowcylindrical support post 21 provided upright on the chassis 2 and placedon support tires 22, 22 on the chassis 2. Also mounted on the chassis 2is an escape preventing ring 300 surrounding the lower end of peripheryof the magazine 3 for preventing the disks from slipping off from themagazine 3 (see FIG. 5). The support post 21 and the ring 300 are formedwith cutouts 28, 310, respectively, at the portions thereof opposed tothe insertion-discharge portion 4 for permitting the passage of the disktherethrough.

Attached to the chassis 2 are holding brackets 23, 23 extending over themagazine 3 from inside to outside thereof and a bracket 26 providing theinsertion-discharge portion 4, these brackets 23, 26 being spaced apartfrom one another. Each of the holding brackets 23, 23 comprises legs 24,24 positioned inside and outside the magazine 3, respectively, andsecured to the chassis 2, and a retaining plate 25 interconnecting theupper ends of the legs 24, 24 integrally therewith and extending overthe magazine 3.

The bracket 26 providing the insertion-discharge portion 4 compriseslegs 24, 24 secured to the chassis 2 outside the magazine 3, and asupport plate 27 interconnecting the upper ends of the legs 24, 24integrally therewith, extending over the magazine 3 and connected to theplayback portion 7.

As will be described further below, the present embodiment, i.e., thedisk playback device, includes as mounted on the chassis 2 a magazinerotating mechanism 5, and a mechanism 1 for transporting the diskbetween the insertion-discharge portion 4 and the playback portion 7. Amechanism for rotating the roller units 6, 60, 61 are mounted on theupper surface of the support plate 27.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the magazine 3 as turned upsidedown. The magazine 3 has 150 disk spaces 31 formed in a radialarrangement for accommodating disks as positioned upright. Each of thedisk spaces 31 has an open outer end in the shape of a slit 31a formedin the outer wall of the magazine 3 for permitting the disk to passtherethrough. The magazine 3 comprises two half segments 3a, 3a placedone over the other and joined by support walls 3b at required portions.

An annular toothed face 35 is formed on the bottom wall periphery of themagazine 3. Formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall of themagazine 3 concentrically therewith are a positioning ring 32, a firstrib ring 33 and a second rib ring 34 as arranged inward from outside inthis order. The positioning ring 32 is formed with positioning teeth 32aof specified pitch projecting radially outward of the ring and equal innumber to the number of disk spaces 31. The first rib ring 33 has hollowwindows 36 of specified pitch which are equal in number to the number ofdisk spaces 31 and correspond to the respective disk spaces 31. Thesecond rib ring 34 is formed with reset detecting portions 37 each inthe form of a recess and arranged at an angular interval of 60 deg aboutthe center of rotation of the magazine 3. A position index group 38 isprovided at an intermediate portion between each two adjacent resetdetecting portions 37, 31.

The disk spaces 31 are given the identification numbers of No. 1 to No.150, respectively, in a counterclockwise order when seen from above. Theprocessor 200 has stored therein the corresponding relation of the sixreset detecting portions 37 with respective No. 1, No. 26, No. 51, No.76, No. 101 and No. 126 disk spaces 31.

With reference to FIG. 3, the groups 38 comprise position indexes 38aequidistantly spaced apart along the second rib ring 34 and each in theform of a recess, and vary from 2 to 7 in the number of indexes 38a.FIG. 24 shows some of the reset detecting portions 37 and positionindexes 38a as hatched areas. The position index groups 38 are so formedthat starting with the first of these groups 38 which comprises twoposition indexes 38a, 38a, the number of position indexes 38a increasesby one from group to group clockwise. The distance between opposite endsof each position index group 38 is indicated by M. Of all the groups 38,the group 38 comprising seven position indexes 38a is the greatest inthe end-to-end distance M. The greatest distance M is always smallerthan the distance L from each end of the group 38 to the reset detectingportion 37 closest to the end, i.e., M<L. Although FIG. 24 shows thatthe distances L from the ends of each position index group 38 to therespective closest reset detecting portions 37 are equal, the distancesL may be different insofar as the distances L are greater than theend-to-end distance M.

The reset detecting portion 37 is used for detecting a position servingas the reference after the device is energized as will be describedlater. When the device is reset by turning on the power sourceinitially, the magazine 3 temporarily rotates and comes to a halt at aposition where one of the resent detecting portions 37 is detected. Theposition index group 38 is used for identifying the disk space 31corresponding to that reset detecting portion 37.

The preset detecting portions 37 provided are six in number so as toquickly detect the reference position following the energization. Sincethe magazine 3 is adapted to accommodate 150 disks, the magazine 3 mustbe rotated as much as up to one turn for detecting the referenceposition if only one reset detecting portion 37 is provided. To simplifysuch a procedure, the six reset detecting portions 37 are provided. Theportions 37 are not limited to six in number, insofar as at least twoportions 37 are used.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation showing the magazine 3 in section. The bottomwall defining each disk space 31 is formed with a holding groove 39extending radially of the magazine 3 for fitting in the lower end of thedisk. When placed into the magazine 3, the disk falls into the holdinggroove 39 under gravity, and the disk lower end is positioned at thelower side of the magazine 3. The disk is held in position in thisstate, with the peripheral edge of the disk in contact with oppositeends of the grooved portion 39.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing as mounted on the chassis 2 the magazinerotating mechanism 5 and the mechanism 1 for transporting the diskbetween the insertion-discharge portion 4 and the playback portion 7.The motor M1 disposed outside the path of rotation of the magazine 3 iscoupled to the annular toothed face 35 of the magazine 3 by a belt 54and two double gears 50, 51 to rotate the magazine 3 in accordance withan input from the front panel 20. Sensors SE1, SE2, each comprising apair of photocouplers, are arranged on the paths of rotation of therespective first and second rib rings 33, 34 of the magazine 3. With therotation of the magazine 3, reset detecting portions 37 and positionindex groups 38 are detected by the inner sensor SE2, and hollow windows36 by the outer sensor SE1. The two sensors SE1, SE2 are positionedupstream away from the path of transport of the disk by one disk spacepitch with respect to the direction of rotation of the magazine 3.

The hollow windows 36 of the magazine 3 are equal in number to thenumber of the disk spaces 31 and equidistantly spaced apart, so thatwhen the sensor SE1 detects passage of one window 36 and thereafterdetects passage of another window 36 immediately adjacent thereto, thisindicates that the magazine 3 has rotated by one disk space pitch.

When the identification number of the disk space 31 opposed to theinsertion-outlet portion 4 is entered from the front panel, the magazine3 rotates by a number of disk space pitches corresponding to the inputnumber. The identification number is stored in the processor 200connected to the front panel 20.

When the device is to be re-energized after the data stored in theprocessor 200 has been mutilated for one cause or another, the processoris unable to realize which disk space 31 is currently opposed to theinsertion-discharge portion 4.

In this case, the processor 200 performs the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 to detect one of the reset detecting portion 37 andposition the disk space 31 of specified identification number as opposedto the insertion-discharge portion 4.

The motor M1 is first energized, rotating the magazine 3 clockwise at aconstant speed (S1). The sensor SE2 detects the first recess 37 or 38a(S2), and then counts the number of recesses detected within a specifiedperiod of time t0 (P1). The time t0 will be described below. While therecess is a reset detecting portion 37 or position index group 38, themagazine 3 continues its rotation with the recesses counted within thepredetermined period of time t0 neglected (P2). The recesses detectedwithin the period t0 are ignored because there is a liklihood that themagazine 3 will be initially at a halt with one of the reset detectingportions 37 or position index group 38 opposed to the sensor SE2.Erroneous detection of the portion 37 must then be avoided by moving theportion 37 or the group 38 completely out of opposed relation with thesensor SE2.

With reference to FIG. 24, the period of time t0 is so predeterminedthat this period is longer than a period of time t1 taken for theposition index group 38 with the greatest end-to-end distance M to movepast the sensor SE2. The reason is that if the time t0 is shorter thanthe time t1 and when the sensor SE2 is initially opposed to the positionindex 38a positioned at the clockwise end of the above group 38 (seeFIG. 24, Y), the number of position indexes 38a will not be detectedcorrectly in step P1.

Further the time t0 is shorter than a period of time t2 taken for theposition index 38a a distance L away from the reset detecting portion 37to move past the sensor SE2 after the portion 37 has moved past thesensor SE2. The reason is that if the time t0 is longer than t2 and whenthe sensor SE2 is initially opposed to the reset detecting portion 37positioned at point X in FIG. 24, the position index 38a of the group 38positioned at point Y would be detected within the time t0, and anincorrect number would be counted in step P1.

When a plurality of recesses are detected by the sensor SE2 within thepredetermined period of time t0 in step P1, this indicates that aposition index group 38 is detected, showing that a reset detectingportion 37 will be detected next. However, it one recess is detected bythe sensor SE2 within the period of time t0 in step S2, the recess is areset detecting portion 37 or the position index 38a at the end of agroup 38.

When a plurality of recesses are detected within the period of time t0in step P2, the magazine 3 is further rotated (S11), followed by stepS12 in which the number or recesses detected by the sensor SE2 withinthe period t0 is counted again. Since the recess to be detectedsubsequently is only one of the reset detecting portions 37, therotation of the magazine 3 is stopped when this portion 37 is detected(S9).

The groups 38 differ in the number of position indexes 38a, so that thenumber of position indexes 38a of the group 38 detected in step P2indicates the disk space 31 of particular identification number to whichthe reset detecting portion 37 detected in step S12 corresponds.

Since the sensor SE2 is positioned one disk space pitch away from thepath of transport of the disk as previously stated, the identificationnumber of the disk space 31 opposed to the insertion-discharge portion 4can be discerned. The processor 200 stored the identification number(S10).

If one recess is detected within the predetermined period of time t0 instep P2, the processor 200 operates in the following manner.

The magazine 3 is further rotated, allowing the sensor SE2 to detect areset detecting portion 37 or position index 38a of group 38 (S3),whereupon the number N of recesses moving past the sensor within thesubsequent period of time t0 is counted (S4).

When the number N counted in step 54 is greater than 1, what has movedpast the sensor SE2 within the period t0 is not a reset detectingportion 37 but one of the position index groups 38. Accordingly, thecount N indicates the position of the particular group 38 on the secondrib ring 34. After the counted number N greater than 1 is detected (S5),the magazine 3 is further rotated, permitting the sensor SE2 to detect areset detecting portion 37 (S6). The position index group 38 previouslyidentified indicates the particular disk space 31 to which the resetdetecting portion 37 detected corresponds. The processor 200 stops themagazine 3 and stores the identification number of the disc space 31opposed to the insertion-discharge portion 4 (S10).

If the counted number N is found to be 1 in step S5, this indicates thatone of the reset detecting portions 37 has moved past the sensor SE2,thus showing that a position index group 38 will be detected next. Therecesses 38a of the group 38 detected in step S7 is counted (S8). Thecount identifies the position index group 38 detected by the sensor SE2,and the magazine 3 is stopped when a reset detecting portion 37 issubsequently detected (S6, S9). In this way, the magazine 3 is broughtto a halt upon detecting the identification number of the disk space 31opposed to the insertion-discharge portion 4 after the power source isturned on initially.

Insertion-Discharge Portion!

FIG. 6 is a right side elevation of the insertion-discharge portion 4,FIG. 10 is a plan view of the support plate 27 of the bracket 26, andFIG. 11 is a front view of the same. The portion 4 has the first rollerunit 6 provided at the rear end of support plate 27 of the bracket 26.Upstanding holding walls 49, 49 are arranged at respective oppositesides of the unit 6. Attached to the outer side of each wall 49 is asensor base plate 42 provided with six sensors SE3 to SE8 for detectingpassage of the disk through the holding wall 49.

Of the six sensors, the four sensors SE3 to SE6 are arranged in avertical row, and the remaining two sensors SE7 and SE8 are arrangedinwardly of the first roller unit 6. Such many sensors are provided toreliably detect the insertion of two kinds of disks, i.e., those havinga diameter of 12 cm and those having a diameter of 8 cm.

With reference to FIG. 11, the first roller unit 6 comprises a pair ofrollers 6a, 6b. The roller 6b at right Has a gear 62 at its upper end.The roller 6a at left has upper and lower ends fitting respectively tothe bracket support plate 27 and the chassis 2 with a clearance formedtherebetween. The roller 6a is movable toward and away from the roller6b.

The roller 6a is pressed against the roller 6b by a torsion spring 63mounted on the support plate 27. Incidentally, the second and thirdrollers units 60, 61 have the save construction as the first roller unit6.

Roller Rotating Mechanism!

With reference to FIG. 10, the motor M3 is mounted on the rear side ofthe support plate 27 and coupled to gears 62 of the second and thirdroller units 60, 61 by two intermediate gears 64, 65. The second andthird roller units 60, 61 rotate in the same direction. The gear 62 on aroller 60b of the second roller unit 60 is coupled to the gear 62 on theroller 6b of the first roller unit 6 by a gear train 67 on the supportplate 27. The first roller unit 6 and the second roller unit 60 rotatein directions opposite to each other.

Accordingly, when the rollers 6a, 6b of the first roller unit 6 sorotate as to draw the disk into the magazine 3, the rollers 60a, 60b ofthe second roller unit 60 so rotate as to draw the disk from theplayback unit 7 toward the magazine 3. Conversely when the rollers 6a,6b of the first roller unit 6 so rotate as to discharge the disk fromthe magazine 3, the rollers 60a, 60b of the second roller unit 60 sorotate as to discharge the disk from the magazine 3 toward the playbackunit 7.

The third roller unit 61 comprises rollers 61a, 61b fitting torespective retainers 68, 68 pivoted to the support plate 27. Theretainer 68 at right is biased toward the retainer 68 at left by aspring. The retainer 68 having fitted thereto the right roller 61b ofthe third roller unit 61 is supported by the same shaft as theintermediate gear 65. The motor M3, when rotated, rotates all the threeroller units 6, 60, 61 through the gears 62 and the gear train 67.

Disk Transport Mechanism!

The disk transport mechanism shown in FIG. 8 also rotates the rotaryshutter 40. For convenience of description, the bracket 26 over themagazine 3 is not shown in FIG. 8.

At the left side of the path of transport of the disk, the motor M2mounted on the chassis 2 inwardly of the magazine 3 is coupled to afirst cam gear 10 provided inwardly of the cutout 28 of the support post21 by two double gears 16, 16. The first cam gear 10 is coupled by twointermediate gears 17, 18 to a second cam gear 13 positioned in thevicinity of the insertion-discharge portion 4. The first cam gear 10 isformed with a first cam groove 11 in its front surface, and a second camgroove 12 in its rear surface. The second cam groove 12 has engagedtherein a pivotal lever 19 supported on the chassis 2 and extendingtoward the path of transport of the disk. Inside the magazine 3, thefirst cam groove 11 has engaged therein a chuck slide 8 movable forwardand rearward. As will be described later, the slide 8 engages with theplayback portion 7.

A holding plate 90 extending in the front-rear direction is providedupright on the chassis 2 below the path of transport of the disk. Theholding plate 90 is provided on its left side face with a drive slide 9slidable in the front-rear direction. The drive slide 9 has racks 92, 92at respective opposite ends of its upper portion (see FIG. 12), and alug 93 projecting from its lower edge and in engagement with the forwardend of the pivotal lever 19. The drive slide 9 has a pushing piece 94projecting from the rear end thereof. An intermediate position sensorswitch SW2 is disposed on the path of movement of the pushing piece 94.

Arranged on the path of pivotal movement of the other end of the lever19 are a kickout sensor switch SW1, standby position sensor switch SW10,drawing sensor switch SW11 and transport completion sensor switch SW3.These switches SW1, SW10, SW11 and SW3 are used for detecting movedpositions of the drive slide 9.

The second cam gear 13 is formed with a third cam groove 14 in its uppersurface and a fourth cam groove 15 in its lower surface. A lock lever 52pivotally supported on the chassis 2 is engaged in the fourth cam groove15. The lock lever 52 has a projection 53 projecting upward from one endthereof and fitting in between positioning teeth 32a, 32a of themagazine 3, restraining the rotation of the magazine 3. A locking sensorswitch SW5 and an unlocking sensor switch SW4 are arranged on the pathof pivotal movement of the other end of the lock lever 52.

The third cam gear 14 has engaged therein an intermediate lever 43having a forward end directed toward the front panel 20 and a base endsupported by the same shaft as the intermediate gear 18. Provided on theforward end of the lever 43 is a torsion spring 44, one end of which iscoupled to a shutter opening-closing slide 45 provided at a rear endportion of the chassis 2 and slidable rightward and leftward. A switchmount plate 48 is disposed above the path of rotation of theintermediate lever 43. Attached to the lower surface of the mount plate48 are a shutter closing sensor switch SW6 and a shutter opening sensorswitch SW7 which are to be depressed by the lever 43. The switches SW6and SW7 indicate whether the rotary shutter 40 is closed or open.

With reference to FIGS. 7, (a) and (b), the shutter 40 has a projection46 projecting from its lower end. The shutter opening-closing slide 45rotates the rotary shatter 40 by pushing the projection 46. A tensionspring 47 smaller than the torsion spring 44 in biasing force isconnected between the shutter 40 and the front panel 20, biasing theshutter 40 in the closing direction.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are views showing the holding plate 90 as viewed fromthe left side thereof. Two kickout pieces 91, 91b movable into the diskspace 31 through the side wall of the magazine 3 are pivoted, each at abase end thereof, to the front and rear ends of the holding plate 90 asindicated at 91a. Each of the kickout pieces 91, 91b is formed on aportion of a peripheral edge thereof with a toothed face 95 meshablewith the rack 92 of the drive slide 9. Each kickout piece kicks out thedisk from the space 31 as will be described below.

A tension spring 96 connected between each kickout piece 91 or 91b andthe holding plate 90 biases the kickout piece in a direction to cause afree end thereof to move out of the disk space 31 of the magazine 3. Ina standby state wherein the disk is not inserted into the magazine 3,the free end of the kickout piece 91 toward the insertion-dischargeportion 4 is downwardly away from the path of transport of the disk asseen in FIG. 12, (b).

In the standby state, on the other hand, the drive slide 9 is drawntoward the playback portion 7, with the other end of the pivotal lever19 holding the standby position sensor switch SW10 depressed as shown inFIGS. 12, (b) and 18, (b). The kickout piece 91b toward the playbackportion 7 has its toothed face 95 engaged with the rack 92 of the driveslide 9, and the free end of the piece 91b is advanced in the disk space31 through the peripheral wall of the magazine 3. When the disk isinserted into the space 31 in this state, the disk is raised from theholding groove 39 of the space 31 and accommodated in the magazine 3, inan intermediate position in which the peripheral edge of the disk bearson the free end of the kickout piece 91b.

Further as seen in FIG. 18, (b), the projection 53 on the lock lever 52is fitted to the positioning tooth 32a, restraining the rotation of themagazine 3.

Playback Portion!

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the playback portion 7, and FIG. 15includes front views showing the playback portion 7 as partly brokenaway. The playback portion 7 comprises a case 70 provided upright on thechassis 2 for accommodating the disk as delivered from the magazine 3,and a pickup mount 71 pivoted to the upper end of the case 70 forrotatably clamping the disk within the case 70. A pickup (not shown) anda turntable 72 are provided on the mount 71 as is already known. On theother side of the case 70 opposite to the mount 71, a clamp 73 having adisk member 74 fittable to the turntable 72 is pivoted to a lowerportion of the case 70. The case 70 has a side wall formed with anopening 75 permitting the upper portion of the clamp 73 to move into thecase therethrough.

Arranged between the third roller unit 61 and the case 70 are a sensorSE9 for detecting passage of the disk, and a sensor SE10 for detectingarrival of the disk at a playback position (see FIG. 17).

The chuck slide 8 slidable on the chassis 2 in the disk transportdirection is disposed below the third roller unit 61 and the playbackportion 7. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the chuck slide 8 is formed witha roller opening-closing groove 80, roller opening-closing face 83,mount opening-closing grooves 81, 81 and a clamp opening-closing groove82. Arranged in the path of movement of the chuck slide 8 are a clampingcompletion switch SW9 and a clamp release switch SW8 which are to bedepressed by the slide 8. The lower end of the roller 61a of the thirdroller unit 61 is fitted in the roller opening-closing groove 80, whilethe lower end of the other roller 61b is in contact with the rolleropening-closing face 83. The pickup mount 71 has lower end pins 71afitting in the respective mount opening-closing grooves 81, and theclasp 73 fits in the clamp opening-closing groove 82.

A pin 8a projecting from the chuck slide 6 is engaged in the first camgroove 11 of the first cam gear 10. In the standby state, the slide 8holds the clamping completion switch SW9 depressed, with the two rollers61a, 61b of the third roller unit 61 spaced apart as seen in FIG. 16,(a).

As shown in FIG. 15, (a), a pin 73a projecting from the clamp 73 ispushed along the clamp opening-closing groove 82, and the disk member 74moves into the case 70 through its opening 75, fitting to the mount 71,i.e., to the turntable 72 on the mount 71, and rendering the disk Drotatable with its central portion lightly held by the disk member 74.

When the chuck slide 8 moves toward the playback portion 7, the rollers61a, 61b of the third roller unit 61 move along the groove 80 and theface 83, respectively, to come into contact with each other as shown inFIG. 16, (b). The chuck slide 8 depresses the clamp release switch SW8,and pins 71a at the lower end of the pickup mount 71 are pushed alongthe mount opening-closing grooves 81, whereby the mount 71 is pivotallymoved away from the case 70 as seen in FIG. 15, (b) . The clamp 73rotates about its pivots, moving the disk member 74 out of the case 70through the side wall thereof.

Disk Transport Operation (see FIGS. 8, 10, 12, 13, 18 to FIG. 20)!

In a standby state, a disk is inserted into the magazine 3 by thefollowing operation. In the standby state, the first cam gear 10 and thekickout piece 91 are so positioned as shown in FIGS. 12, (b) and 18,(b), ready for the insertion of the disk.

The front panel 20 is manipulated first to rotate the motor M. The rightroller 6b of the first roller unit 6 rotates. When the disk D is passedthrough the opening 41 of the rotary shutter 40, causing the rollers 6a,6b to hold the disk therebetween, the disk D is drawn into the magazine3, rolling into one of the disk space 31. Upon the disk D passingthrough the first roller unit 6, the periphery of the disk comes intocontact with the free end of the inner kickout piece 91b.

When the passage of the disk is detected by the sensors SE3 to SE6 (seeFIG. 6) of the insertion-discharge portion 4, the motor M2 rotates,rotating the first cam gear 10 clockwise as shown in FIG. 18, (c). Thepivotal lever 19 rotates along the second cam groove 12 of the first camgear 10 to move the drive slide 9 toward the insertion-discharge portion4. The lock lever 52 and the intermediate lever 43 remain at rest, withthe magazine 3 restrained from rotating.

As previously stated, the disk acts to roll into the holding groove 39of the disk space 31 under gravity. As the drive slide 9 moves rearwardfrom the state shown in FIG. 12, (b), the kickout piece 91b toward theplayback portion 7 is rotated from the aforementioned intermediateposition by the tension spring 96 to escape from the path of transportof the disk. With the rotation of the kickout piece 91b, the diskgradually falls into the holding groove 39 while in contact with thekickout piece 91b and is accommodated in the space 31. By allowing thedisk to gradually fall into the groove 39, the noise to be otherwiseproduced upon the disk D coming into striking contact with the edge ofthe groove portion 39 can be eliminated.

When the drive slide 9 depresses the intermediate position sensor switchSW2 as shown in FIG. 18, (c), the motor M2 stops. The kickout piece 91bcompletes its rotation. FIG. 12, (a) shows the piece 91b as downwardlyretracted from the path of transport of the disk. When the disk passesthrough the insertion-discharge portion 4, the sensors SE7, SE8 areactuated, and the processor 200 stops the motor M3 rotating the firstand second units 6, 60 and stores data indicating that the disk has beenplaced into the disk space 31.

After the front panel 20 is manipulated and until the disk is completelyinserted into the magazine 3, the rollers of the first and second rollerunits 6, 60 continue to rotate in directions opposite to each other.Even when the device is so tilted in its entirety that theinsertion-discharge portion 4 is at a higher level when the disk isinserted, the second roller unit 60 toward the playback portion 7 isrotating toward the disc discharge direction, so that the disk, ifslipping outward from the interior of the magazine 3, is forced towardthe magazine by the second roller unit 60. This obviates the likelihoodthat the disk will reach the playback portion 7 in error.

Rotation of Magazine!

When a disk is to be inserted into the desired disk space 31, theidentification number of the space 31 is input from the front panel 20.The motor M2 rotates, and the intermediate lever 43 rotatescounterclockwise along the third cam groove 14 of the second cam gear 13as shown in FIG. 19, (a). As seen in FIG. 7, (b), the lever 43 kicks theshutter opening-closing slide 45, rotating the rotary shutter 40. Theopening 41 of the shutter 40 is closed, preventing other disk from beinginserted into the magazine 3 during the rotation thereof.

The second cam gear 13 further rotates, rotating the lock lever 52clockwise along the fourth cam groove 15 as shown in FIG. 19, (b). Thismoves the projection 53 on the lever 52 away from the positioning ring32 of the magazine 3, while causing the other end of the lock lever 52to depress the unlocking sensor switch SW4. A signal from the switch SW4stops the motor M2, and the motor M1 thereafter rotates to drive themagazine 3.

As previously stated, the sensor SE1 counts the hollow windows 36 in thefirst rib ring 33 which move past the sensor. The count of the sensorSE1 indicates that the desired disk space 31 has been positioned asopposed to the insertion-discharge portion 4, whereupon the processor200 discontinues the rotation of the motor M1 to bring the magazine 3 toa halt.

The motor M2 resumes its rotation, rotating the lock lever 52 along thefourth cam groove 15 of the second cam gear 13 and bringing theprojection 53 into engagement with the positioning ring 32 as seen inFIG. 19, (c).

Transport to Playback Portion (see FIGS. 8, 12, 13, 18 and 20)!

The disk accommodated in the disk space 31 as opposed to the playbackportion 7 is transferred from the space 31 to the portion 7 and thenchucked by the portion 7 by the following operation.

The front panel 20 is manipulated to input a signal commanding playback.The motor M3 rotates to rotate the gears 62 of the second and thirdroller units 60, 61 toward a disk drawing-in direction. The first rollerunit 6 rotates idly because the unit is away from the disk.

The first cam gear 10 is rotated clockwise from the position shown inFIG. 19, (c) by the rotation of the motor M2, moving the chuck slide 8toward the playback portion 7 along the first cam groove 11 as seen inFIG. 20, (a). The projection 53 on the lock lever 52 is held inengagement with the positioning ring 32 of the magazine 3, preventingthe magazine 3 from rotating inadvertently.

With reference to FIG. 16, (b), the chuck slide 8 depresses the clamprelease switch SW8, which indicates that the slide 8 has completed itssliding movement. In this state, the two rollers 61a, 61b of the thirdroller unit 61 come into contact with each other as previously stated,and the two rollers 61a, 61b rotate.

On the other hand, the pickup mount 71 and the clamp 73 rotate to moveaway from each other and become ready to accept the disk.

When the first cam gear 10 further rotates clockwise, the pivotal lever19 rotates clockwise along the second cam groove 12 to move the driveslide 9 rearward as shown in FIG. 20, (c). The movement of the slide 9rotates the kickout piece 91 closer to the portion 4 against the tensionspring 96 as shown in FIG. 13, bringing the free end of the piece intothe disk space 31 through the peripheral wall of the magazine 3. Thekickout piece 91 kicks out the disk in the space 31 toward the playbackportion 7. With the second and third roller units 60, 61 in rotation,the disk is drawn toward the unit 7 into the case 70 (see FIG. 17).

The pivotal lever 19 depresses the transport completion sensor switchSW3, while the sensors SE9, SE10 indicate the delivery of the disk D tothe playback portion 7, whereupon the motor M2 rotates reversely torotate the first cam gear 10 counterclockwise. The reverse rotation ofthe motor M2 returns the first cam gear 10 toward the direction ofstandby state.

With reference to FIG. 20, (a), the pivotal lever 19 rotatescounterclockwise, pushing the drive slide 9 toward the playback portion7. The kickout piece 91 toward the insertion-discharge portion 4 isfreed from meshing engagement with the drive slide 9 and retracts fromthe path of transport of the disk see FIG. 12, (a)!.

With reference to FIG. 19, (c), the chuck slide 8 is then drawn towardthe insertion-discharge portion 4. The pickup mount 71 and the clamp 73engaging respectively in the mount opening-closing grooves 81 and clampopening-closing groove 82 move toward each other to hold the centralportion of the disk, while the two rollers 61a, 61b move away from eachother see FIGS. 15, (a) and 16, (a)!.

The chuck slide 8 depresses the clamping completion switch SW9,whereupon the motors M2, M3 are deenergized to stop the rotation of thefirst cam gear 10 and the second and third roller units 60, 61. Thefirst cam gear 10 comes to a halt at the position shown in FIG. 19, (c).

Although the rear end of the disk is positioned between the rollers 61a,61b, the disk is rotatable since the rollers 61a, 61b are spaced apart.The disk is played back in this state. The playback operation to beperformed after the mount 71 and the clamp 73 are fitted together isknown.

Unloading of Disk from Playback Portion!

The disk loaded in the playback portion 7 is taken out through theinsertion-discharge portion 4 by the following procedure. First, asignal commanding withdrawal of the disk is input from the front panel20, whereupon the motors M2, M3 rotate, moving the chuck slide 8 fromthe position shown in FIG. 19, (c), i.e., from the state wherein thedisk is chucked by the playback portion 7, toward the portion 7 as seenin FIG. 20, (a). The rotation of the motor M3 rotates the roller 61b ofthe third roller unit 61.

The pickup mount 71 and the clamp 73 are opened to release the disk, andthe rollers 61a, 61b of the third roller unit 61 are brought intocontact with each other. As shown in FIG. 16, (b), the chuck slide 8depresses the clamp release switch SW8, whereby completion of thesliding movement of the slide 8 is detected. The disk D is held betweenthe rollers 61a, 61b and drawn toward the magazine 3 by the rotation ofthe third roller unit 61.

The first cam gear 10 rotates clockwise, whereby the drive slide 9 ismoved toward the insertion-discharge portion 4. As seen in FIG. 20, (b),the pivotal lever 19 depresses the drawing sensor switch SW11, whereuponthe motor M2 is temporarily halted. In this position, the free end ofthe kickout piece 91 toward the portion 4 is located within the diskspace 31 as shown in FIG. 13, (a).

When the sensor SE9 detects passage of the disk D, the motor M2 rotatesreversely. The first cam gear 10 rotates counterclockwise, causing thepivotal lever 19 to move the drive slide 9 toward the playback portion7. With the motor M3 in reverse rotation, the first roller unit 6rotates in a disk discharge direction.

Referring to FIG. 12, (a), the kickout piece 91 toward the portion 4rotates to retract from the path of transport of the disk, permittingthe disk to be gradually inserted into the disk space 31. After the diskis accommodated in the magazine 3, further rotation of the motor M2rotates the first cam gear 10 counterclockwise, drawing the chuck slide8 toward the insertion-discharge portion 4 see FIG. 19, (c)!. Theintermediate lever 43 thereafter rotates as shown in FIG. 18, (c) tomove the shutter opening-closing slide 45 leftward and open the rotaryshutter 40.

With reference to FIGS. 12, (c) and 18, (a), the drive slide 9 furthermoves toward the playback portion 7, rotating the kickout piece 91b nearthe portion 7 to kick out the disk toward the portion 4. The disk isheld between the rollers 6a, 6b of the first roller unit 6, passedthrough the portion 4 and discharged to the outside of the device.

The pivotal lever 19 depresses the kickout sensor switch SW1, whereuponthe motor M2 is halted. The sensors SE3 to SE6 detect delivery of thedisk, whereupon the motor M2 reversely rotates, moving the pivotal lever19 clockwise. When the lever 19 depresses the standby position sensorswitch SW10, the motor M2 stops, and the device resumes the standbystate.

In stopping the magazine 3 according to the present embodiment, thesensor SE2 detects the reset detecting portion 37 which corresponds tothe disc space 31 of detected identification number, so that the rotatedposition of the magazine 3 is detectable by simple means. Further therotated position of the magazine 3 is discerned by detecting one of theplurality of reset detecting portions 37, and is therefore detectablemore quickly than in the conventional device.

Although the reset detecting portion 37 and the position index 38a areeach in the form of a recess, each of the portion and the index may beformed, for example, by a reflecting plate so as to be detected by asensor comprising a light receiving portion and a light emittingportion. Alternatively, the reset detecting portion 37 and the positionindex 38a may each be in the form of a projection so as to be detectedby a contact switch.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disk playback device, comprising:a magazinerotatably mounted on a chassis and formed with disk spaces in a radialarrangement for accommodating a plurality of disks positioned upright,the disk spaces being given respective identification numbers; aninsertion-discharge portion provided externally of the magazine forpermitting the disk to pass therethrough; and a processor forcontrolling the rotation of the magazine, determining whatidentification number the disk space has which space is opposed to theinsertion-discharge portion and storing the determined identificationnumber, wherein the magazine has a plurality of reset detecting portionsproviding a reference for stopping the magazine and arrangedconcentrically with the magazine at approximately equal spacings incorresponding relation with specified disk spaces, a position indexgroup being disposed at the midportion between each two adjacent resetdetecting portions and comprising a plurality of position indexesarranged in the direction of rotation of the magazine for detecting theidentification number of the disk space to which the reset detectingportion, toward the direction of rotation of the magazine, of the twoportions corresponds, the position index groups being different in thenumber of position indexes, where the first distance between oppositeends of each position index group is smaller than the second distancefrom each end of the group to the reset detecting portion closest to theend; a single sensor is provided on a path of rotation of the magazineon the chassis and connected to the processor for detecting one of thereset detecting portions and the position index group subsequent to theportion and stopping the rotation of the magazine upon detecting theportion; and the processor is operable to measure a predetermined periodof time greater than a period of time taken for the first distance tomove past the sensor with the rotation of the magazine and shorter thana period of time for the second distance to move past the sensor withthe rotation, the processor being operable to rotate the magazine when apower source is initially turned on and said identification number dataof the magazine stored in the processor has disappeared, said processorhaving the functions of counting the number of reset detecting portionsor position indexes detected by the sensor within the predeterminedperiod of time after the reset detecting portion or the position indexis first detected by the sensor, and of detecting the identificationnumber of the disk space corresponding to the reset detecting portionsubsequently detected by the sensor, based on the number counted.
 2. Amethod of controlling a disk playback device, as mounted on a chassis, amagazine formed with a plurality of disk spaces in a radial arrangementfor accommodating disks as positioned upright, an insertion-dischargeportion provided externally of the magazine for permitting the disk topass therethrough, a sensor positioned on a path of rotation of themagazine, and a processor for storing therein an identification numberof the disk space as opposed to the insertion-discharge portion, thesensor being connected to the processor, the magazine having a pluralityof reset detecting portions providing a reference in stopping themagazine and approximately equidistantly spaced apart concentricallyabout a center of rotation of the magazine in corresponding relationwith disk spaces having respective predetermined identification numbers,a position index group being disposed at an intermediate positionbetween each two adjacent reset detecting portions and comprising aplurality of position indexes arranged in the direction of rotation ofthe magazine for detecting the disk space of a predeterminedidentification number to which the reset detecting portion corresponds,the position index groups being different in the number of positionindexes, the greatest of the first distances between opposite ends ofthe position index groups being smaller than the second distance fromeach end of the group having the greatest distance to the resetdetecting portion closest to the end, the sensor being operable todetect the reset detecting portions and the position indexes, theprocessor being operable to measure a predetermined period of timegreater than a period of time taken for the greatest first distance tomove past the sensor and less than a period of time for the seconddistance to move past the sensor when a power source is initially turnedon and said identification number data of the magazine stored in theprocessor has disappeared, the method comprising the steps of:causingthe processor to temporarily rotate the magazine; counting the number ofreset detecting portions or position indexes detected by the sensorwithin the predetermined period of time; detecting from the countednumber the identification number of the disk space corresponding to thereset detecting portion detected next by the sensor; and stopping therotation of the magazine when the sensor subsequently detects the resetdetecting portion.